Ex Nihilo

This contemplative installation zooms in on three companies that are attempting to push the boundaries of human life. The title Ex Nihilo refers to the creation myth: God creating the heavens and earth from nothing. The American company Oregon Cryonics is attempting to conquer death by freezing the brains of the deceased in the expectation that one day it will be possible to bring them back to life. Svalbard Global Seed Vault on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen stores plant seeds at a constant temperature of -18ºC so that, in the event of an apocalyptic disaster, we will still be able to grow crops. At the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, they are developing HUBO, a highly advanced human robot. Starting with stunning icy images of Spitsbergen and supported by an atmospheric soundscape, this installation tells a serene, stylized story on three separate screens. The subtle, sensory experience stimulates us to reflect on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of playing God.